United States lifted its blockade of Iranian ports Thursday,letting oil tankers move freely through Strait of Hormuz for first time in months . This coincided with a tentative peace deal activation aimed at ending ongoing conflict in region.
Vice President JD Vance might delay planned trip to Switzerland,where deal's ceremonial signing was set for Friday. His choice reflects uncertainty around agreement's implementation. Meanwhile,a former Trump envoy revealed privately that Iran plans to invite U.N. nuclear watchdog to inspect its facilities .
In a state media broadcast,Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei backed direct U.S . talks,marking notable shift in stance . Khamenei stressed future talks wouldn't mean accepting U.S . views,a big departure from past hardline policies .
“It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting enemy’s opinion,” Khamenei stated.
His backing comes after silence following injuries during war's early stages. Agreement,which President Donald Trump signed while dining with French President Emmanuel Macron,aims to extend ceasefire, giving both nations 60 days to negotiate broader terms.
Trump called deal a move to prevent U.S. economic turmoil,amid soaring oil prices and inflation from conflict. He wants to avoid comparisons to Herbert Hoover,whose policies fed the Great Depression.
During briefing,Trump envoy Steve Witkoff told lawmakers Iran's invite to IAEA would allow nuclear site inspections. Witkoff said no side deals were included,though a letter to IAEA Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi was drafted.
Agreement terms require Iran to dilute its highly enriched uranium under international watch,prohibiting nuclear weapon development. But timeline for these steps is uncertain,raising U.S . lawmakers' concerns,some Republicans see deal as too lenient toward Tehran.
Vance's potential trip delay could stall future negotiation talks. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also canceled Switzerland visit,where signing ceremony was to occur. Uncertainty over agreement's rollout has fueled skepticism about its effectiveness.
Despite obstacles,Vance noted over 12.5 million barrels of oil passed through Strait of Hormuz Wednesday night,indicating oil prices might stabilize. He said U.S. easing blockade was part of honoring initial military agreement.
U.S. Central Command confirmed American warships would stay in region to ensure compliance. Reports said at least two oil tankers crossed previously enforced blockade,carrying 3.8 million barrels of Iranian oil.
Iranian state media said shipping returned to normal at southern ports,though Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian military watch. Major shippers are moving vessels through strait,a big change after long inactivity.
But main central route of strait is still blocked,with about 80 mines needing removal. Ships use alternative routes,less capable than central passage. Lloyd’s List estimated 550 merchant ships must exit Persian Gulf,a process that could take weeks or months…
